Gut Investigations

Meckel’s diverticulum isotope scan

This involves injection of a radio-isotope into a vein which then collects in particular tissues containing gastric lining acid producing cells. In a Meckel’s diverticulum which is a remnant of the embryological development which is an out-pouching of the small bowel and present in 2% of the population, this can have an ulcer present in it because of gastric tissue which is not normally there producing acid. This will be highlighted as a hot spot on a special type of x-ray after injection of this radio-isotope. It requires a morning being set aside but no anaesthetic is necessary and it is like a simple x-ray, albeit it with an injection.

The problem with Meckel’s Diverticulum scan is that it is not particularly sensitive or reliable. These have generally been superseded by a wireless capsule endoscopy.